Restaurant and Bar in Zurich

The final stage in a scheme to refurbish a high-rise ensemble dating from the early 1970s involved the treatment of an adjoining pavilion. The structure houses a new restaurant with a bar and canteen. One enters the building via a low wind lobby set on the diagonal at the corner and is immediately aware of the powerful spatial dynamics and unconventional coloration of the interior. Forming part of the overall concept, the striking colours extend throughout the various spaces. At first sight, the circular staircase and the gallery, painted in a bright red, seem to be supported by no more than the central green column. In reality, though, the gallery is borne by other columns that are painted in a restrained black. Drawn round the staircase is the bar in dark stained oak with curved glass display cases. Behind this, beamed projections flicker on the ochre-coloured walls. All spaces on the ground floor are united by a lush green poured polyurethane-resin floor finish on which the stool legs – in the same colour – seem almost to dance. The semicircular counter divides the space into a raised entrance, bar and lounge zone on one side and a ground-floor restaurant area to the rear with a second, gallery level above. In the evening, a curtain is drawn along a curving line across this space to screen off the lower-floor dining area. At the same time, the curtain forms an atmospheric background to the bar. During the day, guests can put together their own meals from various service islands in the ­adjoining self-service section. The curved staircase with a closed balustrade swings its way upwards from the bar, forming the central, dominant object in this space and providing access to the second restaurant level. In the gallery, an ergonomically shaped bench develops from the staircase balustrade and wraps itself around the space on this upper level, forming an enclosing element. Here, further seating is available. Semi-transparent sunblinds with oversize printed leaf motifs are a striking feature of the facade. They serve to screen the two-storey glazing and prevent excessive insolation.